Best Campgrounds near Cibola, AZ

Cibola camping areas sit near the Arizona-California border, with several spots that work well for desert camping. Scaddan Wash BLM land has big, spread-out sites where you can camp without neighbors right on top of you. Many spots have some natural shade, which helps during hot days. At Dome Rock Road BLM area, you can camp and then walk to hiking trails that go up into the hills for good views. Keep your food locked up at night since coyotes and small desert animals will definitely check out your campsite if they smell anything. The Colorado River runs close by, so you can fish or swim after a hot day in camp. Most camping spots don't have water or trash cans, so bring what you need and pack everything out. Some of the better spots need higher clearance to reach, especially after rain. You'll see lots of cactus and desert plants around your camp. Days get really hot in summer, so bring plenty of water and something for shade. Nights in the desert are great for seeing stars since there's little light pollution. Winter is much more comfortable for camping here, with mild days and cool nights. Always look up current fire rules before you go - they change with conditions. Cibola works for both new and longtime campers who don't mind basic sites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Cibola, Arizona (202)

    1. BLM Oxbow Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 317-3200

    $15 / night

    "Close to Cibola Wildlife refuge.

    Beautiful and quiet, family area.  

    Hosts are excellent and keep very clean bathrooms."

    "I met up with an old Marine buddy of mine and my 15 year old son for some camping, fishing and offroading with my friends Polaris Razr. There is a nice boat dock that is well used."

    2. Walter's Camp RV Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Cibola, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 854-3322

    $25 - $65 / night

    "Very quiet this time of year, also great access to BLM lands for Off road, etc, disperse camping is an option. Hosts were great."

    "Close to town but far enough to feel like we were away from it all. Smaller park. I think 44 spaces. They had laundry room I didn’t use. Sell Propane if you need it."

    3. Hippie Hole Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (702) 293-8373

    "Hippie Hole is a fantastic boondocking spot with easy access to the Colorado River and plenty of nearby walking trails."

    "If you're looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature, Hippie Hole Camping Area is the perfect spot."

    4. Cibola National Wildlife Refuge - East

    2 Reviews
    Cibola, AZ
    1 mile

    "While I think you're supposed to pay to camp here, no one came around to check or collect payment. "

    5. Palo Verde County Park

    1 Review
    Palo Verde, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 482-4236

    "Around 18 sites w/table and fire pit, 1st come, 1st serve. $15 per night, $7.50 w/America the Beautiful Pass or $75 for a year permit good for other BLM CG's within the Yuma BLM Field office."

    6. Arizona Oasis RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Blythe, AZ
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 232-4288

    $63 - $115 / night

    "Right on the California/ AZ border, close to Blythe for groceries and restaurants. Great place for off road vehicles since you can drive to the desert trails in about 2 minutes and ride for hours."

    "The place seems in the middle of nowhere, but is right next to the Colorado River and has a nice beach area. There are a lot of facilities, a pool, hot tub, etc. Would recommend!"

    7. Wiley Wells Dispersed - Mule Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Palo Verde, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 467-3201

    "The nearby Cibola National Wildlife Refuge and Colorado River offer a nice contrast with opportunities for wildlife spotting and cooling off by the water [https://spotiofficial.app/](https://spotiofficial.app"

    "There is a lot of soft sand you cannot get around. Recommend ONLY 4WD and knowledge of how to drive on sand. I had traction mats & compressor to pump tires back up."

    8. The Cove RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Blythe, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 922-5350

    $70 - $133 / night

    "The spots are a bit tight but once we found out the parking in the front (15 steps away) was free to park in the whole time we moved our truck and had plenty of room."

    9. Destiny McIntyre RV Resort

    1 Review
    Palo Verde, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 922-8205

    10. Coon Hollow Campground

    1 Review
    Palo Verde, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 833-7100

    "You can off-road , shoot, campfires and some beautiful sunrises and sunsets"

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Showing results 1-10 of 202 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Cibola, AZ

450 Reviews of 202 Cibola Campgrounds


  • Kindall S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Dome Rock Road BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    great spot for quick stay!

    not many campers so there was PLENTY of spots open. Nice and quiet, highway noise wasn’t too bad and didn’t hear the road at all. Felt pretty safe too!

  • Michael C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Lake Tamarisk Desert Resort

    Off season overnight stay

    Kathryn at the desk was awesome. We arrived around 3:30 after driving 375 miles. Didn’t utilized the park amenities. The pool and hot tub looked very inviting. Not much to see around Desert Center but the oasis created here was definitely worth the stop. Will reserve for our return in November

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Imperial Sand Dunes

    Hot

    Definitely a sick spot to camp especially if you have desert toys if not stop in el centro and get a trash can lid to slide down the dunes. Tons of restrooms.

  • Jesse W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Ramsey Mine Rd BLM / Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    Really easy spot to get into beautiful and empty. I don’t see anyone or hear anyone at all where I’m at plenty of space for a lot of people.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2025

    Plomosa Road

    Great location

    Huge location. Plenty of room. Nice and quiet

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2025

    BLM Senator Wash Reservoir North Shore

    Great spot

    Dispersed camping that is seriously unbelievable. Pull right up to the water. Fire rings around the north shore. I thought high clearance would be a must (in some spots for sure) but I did see a Camaro parked next to their tent. This is a hidden gem. There are donkeys and deer that roam the area so watch for them.

  • Jayne N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2025

    Plamosa BLM Dispersed Camping Area

    Our Very Favorite Spot

    6 months of boondocking and Plomosa Rd is our favorite. Lots of area to camp for any size rig. Everyone is well spaced out. The town of Bouse is at one end Quartzite at the other. We stayed 1/2 way between on this 23 mile road. Endless bike riding trails and very little traffic on Plomosa so riding on it works too. The little quiet town of Bouse has a Produce Stand 2 days a week for excellent fresh produce, small grocery store, and free town refuse area. You’ll have to dump in Quartzsite or 30 minutes away in Parker which has all the big stores as well. Exploring the desert and rockhounding thru old mines is perfect from this road.


Guide to Cibola

Camping near Cibola, Arizona, offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can enjoy the beauty of the desert while connecting with nature.

What to do:

  • Explore the desert landscape: The area around Cibola is filled with stunning views and unique flora. Campers have noted, "Gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, fabulous sunrise/sunset, and plenty of desert flora" at the Scaddan Wash BLM Dispersed Camping Area.
  • Fishing and water activities: If you enjoy fishing, the BLM Oxbow Campground is right on the Colorado River. One visitor mentioned, "The host was very friendly and showed us the beautiful campground next to the river."
  • Hiking and exploring: There are plenty of trails nearby for hiking. One camper shared, "I took a hike back behind the Dome Rock and found that enjoyable" at the Dome Rock Road BLM Dispersed Camping Area.

What campers like:

  • Spacious camping areas: Many campers appreciate the open space available. A review from the Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area states, "Plenty of room with close to flat & flat spots opened."
  • Friendly camp hosts: Campers often mention the helpfulness of camp hosts. One visitor at the Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area said, "The host was off but he stopped out and told us to go have fun!"
  • Affordable camping options: Many campgrounds in the area offer free or low-cost camping. A camper at the La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area noted, "Spacious. Garbage, water, and dump at a great price ($180 for 7 months)."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Most campgrounds do not have water or trash services. A review from the Dome Rock Road BLM Dispersed Camping Area mentions, "No amenities, no water, no trash, no toilets."
  • Seasonal camping: Some campgrounds have specific seasons for camping. For example, the La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area requires a permit fee from September 15 to April 15.
  • Crowded during events: The area can get busy during events like the Quartzsite RV Show. A visitor at the Quartzite - La Posa noted, "Dispersed camping, typical BLM area, but lots of RV's for the big event."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious campgrounds: Look for areas with plenty of room for kids to play. One family enjoyed their stay at the Scaddan Wash BLM Dispersed Camping Area for its "open space to camp."
  • Plan for activities: Bring along games or outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. A camper at the Arizona Oasis RV Resort mentioned, "The river was awesome for the kids."
  • Stay hydrated: Since many campgrounds lack water, make sure to bring enough for everyone. A visitor at the BLM Oxbow Campground advised, "Plan on bringing water."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A review from the Road Runner BLM Dispersed Camping Area noted, "The sign at the entrance was laying on the ground."
  • Be prepared for noise: Campers near highways may experience traffic noise. One camper at the Hi Jolly BLM Dispersed Camping Area mentioned, "If you Park close to entrance side, you will hear traffic noise ALL night."
  • Utilize nearby services: Make sure to know where to find water and dump stations. A visitor at the La Posa South BLM Long Term Visitor Area said, "You MUST have a permit to use the stations."

Camping near Cibola, Arizona, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared will make your experience even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for camping at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona?

Camping is not permitted within Cibola National Wildlife Refuge itself, as it's primarily a wildlife conservation area. However, nearby Ehrenberg Dispersed Camping follows typical BLM regulations - free camping with a 14-day limit in most areas. Take Ehrenberg-Cibola road southeast into the desert to find suitable spots. Wiley Wells Dispersed - Mule Mountain is another option with similar regulations. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and maintain appropriate distance from water sources and wildlife areas.

When is the best season to camp at Cibola Wildlife Refuge between Arizona and California?

The best time to camp near Cibola Wildlife Refuge is late fall through early spring (October to March). Winter months provide mild, comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the refuge when migratory birds are present. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making camping uncomfortable or even dangerous. Arizona Oasis RV Resort offers riverside spots with full hookups during the popular winter season, while Scaddan Wash provides dispersed camping options in the cooler months. Plan your visit during winter for the most pleasant experience and best wildlife viewing.

Where can I camp at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge?

While Cibola National Wildlife Refuge itself doesn't offer developed camping, several excellent options are nearby. Hippie Hole Camping Area is a popular boondocking spot with easy access to the Colorado River and walking trails right next to the refuge. For a fee-based option, BLM Oxbow Campground charges $15 per vehicle nightly (half price with a federal park pass) and offers clean bathrooms maintained by hosts. Both locations provide convenient access to explore the wildlife refuge while offering different camping experiences.